2.11.2013

I have to be honest and say that last week I felt like I'd just hit a wall and all I wanted to do was SLEEP. Every morning I woke up, laid in bed and thought...
"I can't wait to get back here again tonight."
I think it's the weather...what's that called, seasonal depression? I LOVE the snow, don't mind the cold and can even do an occasional cloudy day or two, but I swear it's been almost TWO weeks with hardly any sunshine. I'm about ready to grab my family, jump in the car and head to the first persons house who tells me they've got warm temps and sunny days.
Anyone have room for a family of 5 to come visit for a bit?
:)

Just in case you were wondering, feeling "blahh" makes for a very UNproductive blogger, and in fact, I posted this photo, that my sneaky-phone-stealing 5 year old snapped, on Instagram just a few days ago, with the following caption.

Truth: When I have a boatload of work to do, I shutdown. Currently laying in bed, still not showered from the gym, watching Dora and chewing on my cuticles.
Thank goodness a lot of you chimed in with your comments admitting that you do the same thing when you feel overwhelmed. It made me feel a lot better, and not so much like a lazy bum... which is probably sorta' more true in this situation above. eeep!
So anyway, I'm trying to pull myself out of this funk by making mental notes of ALL the things that I need to tell you guys about, and at the top of that list is the "Blogger on a Diet" weight-loss story that our local morning show aired the other week. A couple of the Studio 5 team members came out to our house to film a short segment about my weight loss story and "have dinner with us".
:)

It totally spaced my mind to mention it the day it was on, for those of you who are local, so I've found the video and thought it would be good to share it here, for anyone who may not have caught it.WARNING: I sort of start to cry (ack!), my kids were completely terrified of having to talk on camera "alone" and yes, apparently my 5 year old thinks that LICKING her hand clean qualifies it as being "washed". (proud Mom moment caught on camera).
I'll admit that I was really nervous to have them come film and run the story, only because this whole 'losing weight' part of my life has been SUCH an emotional, LONG journey and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to put into words what I needed to; but once I saw how it all came together... I was really glad I did it.

you might have to click through to our actual blog to see the video

This leads me to the second part of my post... questions!
I had a LOT of emails with the same types of questions (about weight loss stuff) after our little segment aired. A bunch of the answers you can find in our series "Blogger on a Diet" listed on the right hand sidebar of our site, but one of the most popular questions was, "Who is your lifestyle coach, what does he really DO for you and is it worth the extra money each month?"
For the past few months, especially after recovering through my foot injury, I had sort of been on my own. The lifestyle coach that I had originally started out with in the beginning of my journey, suddenly had some big things come up in his life and no longer was working with clients. I was doing fine for a month or so, but then I sort of started to let things slide. A not-so-great meal here or there, skipping the gym a few days a week and snitching more than I should of. In all honestly, and thanks to the holidays, this lead me to gaining back about 7 pounds in a 4 month time period. GAH!just keepin' it real people...
I knew that I HAD to get super proactive again, but felt a bit frustrated because all the food and exercises I was doing weren't really working like they used to... and that only meant one thing, it was time to switch things up again and get serious.

So, Cason called Jared, a guy that he knew from high school who had started Resolute Health and Wellness, and signed us up to meet with him about getting a new diet and workout plan started.

All I have to say, is HOLY BANANAS BATMAN!

Just to clear things up, no, I am not giving myself a breast exam here... (although that's sort of what a few of our Instagram followers said it look like, haha!) I'm trying to convey the crazy amount of soreness that I experienced in the first week of my "Jared-assigned-Resolute" weight-lifting workouts.

YIKES!
Don't get me wrong, it was a GOOD hurt, that only lasted a day or so, but it was still a hurt! I only had Cason document this awful picture of me, straight out of bed and just barely in my workout clothes, because I wanted to remember the morning that I actually started WORKING OUT again. It's like my body had been woken up and my muscles were pissed! Even though I had been "sorta" going to the gym for the past few months and "sorta" lifting weights, I KNEW that I wasn't pushing myself nearly as hard as I should of... and my aching muscles were a smack-in-the-face reminder.

Side Note: True love is being able to ask your husband to help you into the last half of your sports bra, because you're stuck and your arms are too sore from yesterdays workout to actually finish pulling and pushing things into the right position so you can finished getting dressed.

Ugh, sports bras, can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

It's been just about 3 weeks of working with Jared and at my 2 week check-in I was already down 6 pounds! WHOO HOO!

So to answer your question of "What does a lifestyle/fitness coach really DO for me?" In a nutshell...
* He meets with me once a week to measure my progress and plans out all of my food (with exact, easy to follow measurements and instructions) so I don't have to guess about counting calories during the day or eating weird hard to find foods. He also tells me exactly when to eat things, to boost my metabolism and keep it up throughout the day. (so I can burn maximum calories)

* He customizes a workout plan each week just for me (and shows me how to do each move correctly), so that I can achieve my weight loss goals in the time frame that we've set.

* He checks in on me during the week, to make sure I'm on track (usually through text messages)

and best of all...

* He actually TEACHES me WHY my body does the things it does and how to EFFECTIVELY lose weight, without wasting my time or energy.

And THIS is usually where a "lifestyle/wellness coach" differs from a typical "personal trainer" at the gym. Both are amazing at what they do, but Jared was a personal trainer for 4 years, before he realized that making someone sweat to death during a session or two with him was only going to do them so much good! He wanted to educate them about HOW their bodies work and also share with them WHAT to eat, to get them the maximum results, not just at the gym that day, but throughout the rest of the week.

I think I'm safe to say the next thing I'm going to say, because I'm pretty sure Jared doesn't even read our blog... but I'll just be honest, my coach is a nerd... and I'm LOVING IT! Jared is currently finishing up his degree in the area of physiology and sports medicine, so he knows ALL these crazy facts about how the human body works and responds to food and exercise. His little lessons each week are eye-opening for me!

I hope this helped a bit, and to sum it up and further answer those questions from above... look at it this way,

YES, hiring a lifestyle coach IS extra money out of my pocket each month, but the knowledge I'm gaining and weight I'm losing is worth ALL that I'm paying, and more.

ok thank you for this post. I've been doing good all weekend and I just had a late night snack of 2 chocolate chip cookies. dang it. thank you for motivating me. I am going to do my yoga in the morning now...i hope. ;)

Shelly, I have been following you for quite a long time now and have NEVER commented before (gasp!) but after watching that video, I am just so proud of you. I love your diy projects, your positive outlook on life and just how you want to better yourself. you are an encouragement to me and I wish you more success on your journey to becoming more awesome!

I get overwhelmed and shut down too. In fact, sometimes I realize that all that runs through my head is the words...too much, too much. I just have to make lists and take it one thing at a time. But hold on- you said you were relaxing after going to the gym. That's awesome! Keep it up! You mentioned, "good hurt" and I love that feeling. Have to be honest and say I haven't felt it in a LONG TIME. You are so inspiring. :)

FANTASTIC!!!! You were one of the first blogs I started to follow, and your openess and realness is why years later you are still one of my favorites!! You go girl!! Keep it up, your transformation is amazing, and I'm just so happy for you! Congrats!! ~Bre

I'll let you come to my house where it's warm if you'll cook some of those dishes you have pictured for me! I've been so tired and busy that I've been living off of Lean Quisines and omelets. Blech. I understand how feeling overwhelmed makes you want to do nothing. I made a to do list this morning and decided to just have another cup of coffee in front of the computer instead. :)

So proud of you and your family. You for the mental and physical pain you endure/d and finding the strength to get to where you're at. You husband for all of his support and love. Your kids for loving their mom no matter what but enjoying their "new" mom. My motto, "it's not the body that doesn't let you move forward, it's the mind."

I feel ya on the whole weather thing. Cold weather makes me want to 'hibernate' aka, couch surf. I live in Fort Worth, Texas though so I try to enjoy the cold weather while it lasts because we are about to be in the 100+ range here in just a few short months, and then it gets pretty miserable until October. You can come stay with me now if I can come crash with you in August. ;) I'm totally the same way about shutting down when the To-Do's start to pile up. For me, it's sort of a wave that I ride, being motivated to get things done and just wanting to veg out. I think it's hormonal for me. Ugh. Womanhood. No one tell you this stuff. Anyway, congrats again on all your success and good for you for seeking help when you know you need it. I can totally understand paying every month for the services of someone like Jared. It's not as if you will be paying him every month for the rest of your life. It's a temporary expense and besides, what you are spending now in monthly costs, you are saving thousands down the line in medical bills. Besides, can you really put a price on sexy? Haha! ;)-Miranda

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I know how much of a struggle weight loss is - and it's a big deal to open yourself up and let others in on the progress and trials. You're doing an awesome job! So happy for you to be making this life change - you're a huge inspiration to myself and others. We're behind you, all the way!

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is inspiring to see someone else going through a similar journey. I was just wondering how you work your food plan in, with family meals. I only have one child to feed, and I want her to learn healthy habits, but I don't want her to lose being a kid either. In addition, my diet now has to be gluten free and dairy free. I make several things that meet my needs that the whole family can eat, but I want to go even further with what I eat to continue losing weight. You are doing a great job, keep up the good work!

Winter blues hits me. I seem to lose the drive to work out. I mean there is no energy for it, and then when I don't work out I feel like crap. Winter sucks for that reason. So, I wouldn't mind a sunny warm place to stay, too.

GIRL! You are amazing. I've followed your journey from the beginning and you are doing an incredible job. You were beautiful before, but your beauty and and confidence seemed to be magnified now. Keep it up. I personally have lost 70 pounds before...and gained it all back plus 15 more. I have 80 pounds left to lose and watching you lose the weight gives me hope that I'll get there myself one day! Thank you for sharing your journey with your readers. I know it's an emotional and deeply personal journey to share. keep it up!

So many thoughts running through my mind while reading this, here's a few...1. I chew on my cuticles like it's my job! It's so nice to see someone share my habit!2. I'm so not a procrastinator, but have been so overwhelmed with life lately, that too many times than I'd like to admit, I am zoned out on the couch or my bed with no motivation whatsoever!3. I have been contemplating what is going to happen when my 3 months is up with my trainer and weighing the cost over and over in my head. A life coach sounds awesome!

haha! I love the saying at the end that makes me laugh a lot. I have lost 40 pounds in the last year and frankly I was feeling like giving up at around 20 and I read your blog posts on losing weight and it motivated me to keep it going! Thanks!

This got me emotional, too. I know I don't know you, but I love reading your blog and I am so proud of you, Shelley! You are an inspiration to me of course in your style and decorating, but in so many other ways, too. Thanks for being awesome. :) Oh, and PS: I live in Florida-- you and your cute family are more than welcome!

Good post! Do you find that blogging about your weight loss journey also helps you keep on said journey? I feel like I have no one to really keep me accountable, which is why I always fall off my diet wagon. Might be looking into a lifestyle coach myself!

I live in St. George - we would love to have your family come for a visit and it's only a 3 1/2 - 4 hour drive, right? It's a little chilly right now, but there's a TON of sunshine :)

Thanks for keeping it real on the blog and for posting your journey for us. I have just started on mine and will need all the encouragement I can get and your blog and story is definitely an encouragement! Thanks for "putting it all out there" as it can be scary!

My gym takes a whole body/wellness approach to working out. All the workouts are trainer led and they provide nutritional support. They've even added a therapist this year. My friends give me a hard time because I pay more per month than they do, but I've been able to show them the benefits by blowing past them on weight loss percentages. I rarely miss a workout because I don't want to have to come up with a lame excuse and I love seeing my progress through the pictures and graphs they keep on me.

Thank you so much for posting this story...You are truly an inspiration and I enjoy ever single post you put up....Congratulations on your amazing weight loss and I hope someday to be able to say I have done the same....I hear you also about the sun! I am a transplant in Ohio from Salt Lake City and besides the fact we do not have the wonderful mountains we do not have the sunshine that I grew to love! It can be very trying at times and please know that I to would like to run away to someplace warm and bright....Hold that beautiful head up and know that spring is just around the corner....

You are so inspirational and so real. I love it. Thank you for putting yourself out there. I cried, which I hardly ever do:) I'm so glad that somehow God put you into my life, even if it is just through the computer screen. Thanks for helping me to try and be awesomer!

Congrats on your success and thank you for sharing your progress with all of us! It could have been me speaking your words about struggling with weight from a young age. It is a tough journey. Thank you for being an inspiration!

So incredibly PROUD OF YOU! You are ROCKING it girl. I love the video, and you have inspired me to keep being healthy today, because a bag of nutty buddies were calling my name from the pantry.. and now I will grab a light babybel cheese instead. Keep up the FANTASTIC work. Seriously, being a girl that was a size 4 and now an 18+ (i have much to loose!) I know that nothing taste better then being skinny and putting on cuter clothes is all the more motivation. xo jen

Shelley, have you been checked for hypothyroidism? Tiredness like you have/had is a classic symptom as are difficulty losing weight, dry skin and hair -- thinning hair, too, being cold most of the time.

Girl, ask me how I know! I spent years in what I call a barely-awake-coma. The blahs can also lead to thoughts of suicide. Again, ask me how I know ;) If you like, I can pass along what I've learned about hypothyroidism privately. Just let me know.

We would happily squeeze you in to our apartment (do you like the South of France?) and my three year old girl would LOVE more girls to play with :) ps. My cuticles get the same treatment while I am in "shutdown" mode. xoKaren

I think you totally rock! I am amazed by you and the inspiration you are to your readers. Seeing that instagram picture of you is a huge change from you in the pink shirt. Making a huge lifestyle change is commendable and I think hiring your coach seems like a great use of money. Someone to teach you, train you and hold you accountable. He's like a parent that will hold your hand for a little while, then be ready to release you to do the same for your girls or for your readers when you are ready. Keep up the good work!

I'm behind you 100%!!...don't you feel great??? I'm almost half the person I was 15 months ago.....205 to 110...and I will NEVER go back there!! I actually didn't plan ahead and lost 8 pounds during the holidays. I was able to put 5 of it back on in since New Year's. What a turn around....HAHAHA....for someone who also struggled her whole life. I'm as small as I need to be and plan on staying here!! Size 22 to 4!!

YOU CAN DO IT!! DON'T STOP!! BE SELFISH AND PUT YOURSELF FIRST IN ORDER TO SAVE YOURSELF!!

Hi Shelly-- I really hope your life coach is telling you to take Vitamin D (at least 1,000 IU) per day! It is so important, and just as critical for your kids. Talk to him if you're not taking it already! Fabulous post..love your blog!

Everything you said in your post, from the Seasonal Affective Disorder to the not pushing myself at the gym as hard as I should be, is something I have thought in the past couple days. I think of you often and your sweaty face photo when I am working out. Thanks for the update.

Gooooo Shelley! Just wanted to pass along a little motivation/thanks for the inspiration :) I've been in a workout funk for a while, too (I can't blame it just on the weather... it's been hanging around since the early fall). But I think I'm starting to find my way out. Meal planning is definitely helping - it's amazing what a little effort can do! Keep up the great work!

love that photo on the couch ! I've just started my weight loss journey and saw your before and after photo on pinterest and I'm just so glad I've found your blog - love that it has DIY as well :) any chance of an update to your before and after photo !

I love the photo on the couch ! I've just started my weight loss journey and saw a before and after photo of you on pinterest - I'm so glad I found your blog - its wonderful and has DIY too ! any chance of updating your before and after photo - you've definitely lost more weight since doing that and I'd love to use it on my weight loss inspiration pinterest board :)

I'm a frequent reader, but rarely comment. I just wanted to say, YOU are amazing. It takes a lot of commitment to stick to it the way you have, and losing weight is a lot of hard work. I also admire you for putting yourself out there and sharing your successes and defeats. It amazes me that you are able to be so real and so transparent and share your journey with the world. Last year, after my third baby, I was at my all time highest weight. I was able to lose 24 pounds, but slowed down and paused with about 10 pounds to go. I've just recently gotten myself going again, and I'm hoping to lost that last 10 to get to my goal weight. Your journey inspires me. Go YOU!

Little Rock is sunny and temps will be in the 60s today. I also tend to have the seasonal affective disorder. I HATE winter, and in Arkansas we don't typically get snow. Our winters are just gray, misty and blah. I am sooooo ready for summer!

BTW - what did you do to the broccoli in that picture? I don't really care for broccoli unless it's steamed to death and swimming in cheese. Of course, it's really no longer healthy for you after all that. So, I'm interested in trying different methods of prep.

Here I sit, feeling blue, not just because of the lack of sun shine Utah is experiencing. That is just a small part of it. I am at a cross roads right now in Life. It was refreshing to see what you are doing to be the person you want to be. We all know we are daughters of God and there are different seasons of our lives. Sometimes figure out those seasons can be a really pain. Thanks for bring a bit of sunshine into my day, today!

I can't even begin to tell you how much of a Godsend your blog is for me! You have been a HUGE source of information to me and I wish I had a way to truly show you my gratitude. One thing I'm going to do is commit to paying it forward by committing to being transparent and hopefully inspirational on my own little corner of the blog world :) Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing so much with your readers!!

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